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Wisconsin Brewdown Finalists Include Merrill, Eagle River Breweries Published on 07/03/2020 under News

Along with the Packers and Cheese, Wisconsin is known for its beer. Wisconsin's Tourism Department is offering a friendly contest to highlight some of the smaller breweries around the state, and there are some Northwoods nominees.

Yesterday Travel Wisconsin announced the twenty finalists for the Wisconsin Brewdown. Tourism Secretary-designee Sara Meaney, "With so many great breweries throughout the state, The Wisconsin Brewdown is a fun way to support your local favorites and learn about new must-try breweries to visit in the future,"

Among the finalists looking to become Tops in Hops are the Sawmill Brewing Company in Merrill and Tribute Brewing Company in Eagle River

The Wisconsin Brewdown promotion is one of a series of efforts the department is undertaking to spotlight and support the tourism industry's recovery. The event comes on the heels of their Fish fry Face Off held earlier this year.

Meaney encouraged people to visit the Travel Wisconsin website to cast a ballot, voting runs through July 24th.

In Other News

Minocqua Hosting Sleddog Dryland World Championships

Published on 10/21/2025 under News While most people think of snowy trails when it comes to sleddog racing, there are other disciplines held on dryland. An international racing event is being held in Northwoods. Minocqua is hosting the International Federation of Sleddog Sports (IFSS) Dryland World Championships. Opening ceremonies were held Monday night, with racing continues throughout the week. While the competition dates back to 1990, this is the first time it is being held on US soil. Niina Baum, is a local racer and member of the U.S. Federation of Sleddog Sports. She played a key role in bringing the event to the Northwoods, noting it has been five years in the making which began by hosting some smaller regional races. The events are based out of Minocqua's Winter Park and free for spectators. Baum encouraged people to stop by and check out what she described as 'an action-packed event like you've never seen before.' The racers are competing in categories like bikejoring (pulled on a bike), canicross (running), or scooter racing. They anticipate more than 350 competitors representing 23 countries. Sherry Hulett at the Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau says, "Events like this not only showcase our beautiful region but also the sporting opportunities that we can support. The increase in visitors, athletes and spectators, also strengthen our local economy as they stay, shop, and dine here, giving a real boost to area businesses." The Minocqua Visitors Bureau has a full schedule of events and locations on their website.

Published on 10/21/2025 under News Two Lincoln County hunters suffered minor, self-inflicted injuries in separate incidents this past week. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, the first of these two accidents happened Thursday in the Town of Harding. The victim, a 28 year old Merrill man, was getting ready to go bow hunting. He told the deputy he typically carried a hand gun due to the bear population in the area he hunts. While attempting to holster the fire arm, the man said he unintentionally discharged the weapon. The bullet grazed the man's foot, and he was brought to an area hospital for treatment. The second incident happened on Saturday. A 23 year old Irma man was attempting to load his crossbow when it discharged. The bolt, or arrow, struck the man's finger, becoming lodged. According to the report, the man was brought to an area hospital to have bolt safely removed. A couple of other quick notes from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report…Two motorists were taken into custody for 1st offense OWI following traffic stops.The number of vehicle versus deer collisions remains elevated with another 18 reported this past week on Lincoln County roadways. Drivers are encouraged to use a little extra caution at this time of year, as the number of deer collisions typically increases in the fall. We'll have a bit more on that topic in the coming days.

Published on 10/21/2025 under News The timber industry plays a crucial role in the Northwoods economy, and this week has been set aside to recognize the trade. The third week in October is Forest Products Week in Wisconsin. The goal is to recognize the important role that the state's estimated 17 million acres of private and public forestland plays in our economy and the environment. Scott Lyon, DNR forest products team leader says, "From paper products such as food packaging, fine writing paper and toilet paper to lumber used to build homes, flooring and furniture, we depend on forest products daily." It's a leading employer many Northwoods counties. In the latest data available for Lincoln County, the forest industry was responsible, either directly or indirectly, for more than 1,800 jobs. In addition to the economic impact, Carmen Hardin, DNR Applied Forestry Bureau Director highlighted the environmental benefits of a healthy and renewable forest industry as those lands provide additional benefits like clean air and water, recreational opportunities, and wildlife habitat. She added, "One of the draws of forest products made with Wisconsin wood is the story that product tells – whether it's a bench from urban trees that fell during a storm, a baseball bat made from Wisconsin ash or a pint of maple syrup from a backyard. Wisconsin wood products tell a story and connect Wisconsinites to our forests."

Published on 10/21/2025 under News A little more than a year away, local lawmakers continue to make decisions on their future political plans. The latest announcement comes from State Representative Calvin Callahan who shared Monday that he will not enter the race for US House of Representatives. It will be an open race for the 7th Congressional seat with current congressman Tom Tiffany seeking the nomination for Governor. Callahan says after careful thought and conversations with friends and family he won't pursue the seat at this time. He says, "There is still important work to be done in Madison." Adding, "I remain focused on making the Northwoods a great place to live, work, and raise your families." Callahan's decision mirrors State Senator Mary Felzkowski. Earlier this month, Felzkowski announced she would not pursue higher office at this time. Callahan's full statement:I'm deeply humbled and grateful for the incredible outpouring of encouragement and support I've received from friends, neighbors, and community members across northern Wisconsin urging me to run for Congress. It's truly an honor to have so many folks believe in my leadership and commitment to our shared values. After careful thought and conversations with friends and family, I've decided to not seek election to Congress at this time. There is still important work to be done in Madison. Representing the hardworking people of the 35th Assembly District is one of the greatest honors of my life, and I remain focused on making the Northwoods a great place to live, work, and raise your families.

Published on 10/21/2025 under News A congratulations go out to the Tomahawk High School one act-play for advancing out of the district competition. The Tomahawk Drama Department hosted several area schools Saturday for districts. This fall, THS is performing the character driven comedy, "Epic Adventures in a Rinky-Dink Art Museum" by Ken Preuss. It follows a group of creative writing students on a field trip to a small-town museum where they battle boredom by pursuing mysteries romance and other adventures. On Saturday, the judges advanced Tomahawk on to the sectional competition. That's in Oconto Falls the first week of November. On the line for the Hatchets is a tenth consecutive trip to the state festival. That'll be held on the UW Stevens Point campus this year. In sharing the results, the troupe also announced another public performance on Tuesday November 18. We'll offer a reminder as that date approaches.

Published on 10/21/2025 under News Wisconsin Public Service employees continue to give back to community organizations thanks to their on-the-job safety. The latest contribution goes to a well-known organization that helps fulfill dreams for sick children...Wisconsin Make-A-Wish. The $5,000 donation is part of the WPS Safety Charity Challenge. It's a company-wide initiative to encourage employees to live and work safely while positively impacting their local communities. Each quarter, employees who meet safety goals are able to select an organization or program to receive a contribution from the WPS Foundation. Over the years, Make-A-Wish Wisconsin has granted more than 8,800 wishes to children around the state.

Published on 10/20/2025 under News Students in Rhinelander are experiencing an immersive Mexican art opportunity with some special guest instructors. The School District of Rhinelander Community Education Program, ArtStart and the Mexican Folk Art Collective are hosting a group Mexican folk artists as part of the Culture Tap artist residency program, now in its fourth year. Over the next two school days, these guests will be working with the district's elementary students. They'll take part in activities such as making alebrijes, which are brightly decorated clay statues, traditional Mexican dancing, and other games and lessons while sharing culture, language and vocabulary. These activities tie in with a book the students are reading titled Esperanza Rising. In addition to the daytime programs for students at the schools, they'll also host a community fiesta at 6pm at Nacho's Mexican Grill in Rhinelander, where the artists will present traditional folk dancing as well as games and other activities.

Published on 10/20/2025 under News The Community Blood Center is putting out an urgent call for blood donations. The CBC says its inventory recently dropped to just a two-day supply of O-positive and even less of O-negative, well below what is needed to meet anticipated patient needs. That was amplified by an increase in use, with one hospital they serve requiring an additional 16 units on top of regular deliveries. John Hagins, President & CEO, The Community Blood Center says, "While O negative blood is often vital when every second counts because it can be given to any patient in an emergency, all blood types are constantly needed." Hagins noted, "Only 3% of Americans donate blood each year despite 65% being eligible." He says, "By donating, you truly make a lifesaving impact in your community."

Published on 10/20/2025 under News A campground and expanded parking are among the proposed improvements at the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area. The DNR is currently accepting public feedback on a variance to the property's master plan. The proposed variance would authorize expanded parking at the Sandy Landing Lot on Willow Dam Road, the development of a new parking area for carry-in/carry-out access to the Upper Tomahawk River on Cedar Falls Road and the establishment of a campground host site. Located in west central Oneida County, the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area is a large reservoir with over 70 miles of shoreline, many islands, numerous boat landings and rustic camping opportunities. The public can review the draft variance by visiting the DNR's webpage. People can submit comments through Friday, Nov. 14, 2025

Published on 10/20/2025 under News With Halloween right around the corner, a Rhinelander student organization is bringing back an annual community service project to help restock the local food pantry. That annual effort is known as "Trick or Can," a spin on the traditional Halloween trick or treating. Rather than search for candy, these students are after non-perishable food items. Trick-or-Can is run by the school's FBLA/DECA student organization. Other schools conduct similar collections in their respective communities. Over the weekend, the Rhinelander students began distributing collection bags to various neighborhoods in the community. Then next week Sunday, on October 26th, they'll be hitting those same streets again, picking up the bags. The goal is to bring the food drive to the people, rather than people having to bring food to a central location. During last year's Trick or Can, the students collected more than 550 food items which went to the Rhinelander Food Pantry.

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